Real Madrid are already coming to terms with the reality of the La Liga title race following their recent setback against Girona.
As reported by Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, there is now internal acceptance within the club that the league title is effectively out of reach.
The 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, followed by FC Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Espanyol, has left Madrid nine points behind with just seven matches remaining.
That gap, combined with Barcelona’s consistency, has shifted the mood within the club.
While mathematically still possible, the title is no longer seen as a realistic target. As a result, all focus has now turned towards the UEFA Champions League.
All eyes on UCL decider
The immediate priority is the quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid head into the game trailing 2-1 from the first leg, meaning they must deliver a strong performance away from home to keep their European hopes alive.
The challenge is made even tougher by key absences, as Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo remain sidelined through injury, while Aurelien Tchouameni is unavailable due to suspension.
Real Madrid have accepted La Liga title is lost. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
These setbacks limit options for Alvaro Arbeloa as he prepares his side for one of their biggest games of the season.
Despite the circumstances, there is still belief within the coaching staff, as preparations have intensified, with detailed analysis and planning aimed at finding a way past Bayern.
The internal message is that qualification is still achievable if the players deliver on the night.
La Liga out of reach
Back in La Liga, Madrid still have 21 points left to play for, but the margin for error is effectively gone.
A crucial fixture against Barcelona in May could mathematically end any remaining hopes.
Dropping points in that match would leave too few games to close the gap, making the title race a formality.
For now, Real Madrid’s season is at a turning point. With the league slipping away, everything now depends on what happens in Munich.
